Need help on a physical optics question

[Alan W]

Hi, Everybody
Having been an optician 38 years with college training, one would think I could at least know the source for the answer to this question since it is related to physical optics. Nah...not a chance! And, Google isn't coughing up a simple answer. So, here goes. Your help would be appreciated.

I have been involved in the development of some coatings (not optical) that are UV curable. These coatings are being applied to surfaces and are antimicrobial with the properties of UV curability. However, application of the coatings typically require some heating to a gel state and then zapped with UV curing lights. We are seeing that flame application provides some benefits of portability conventional systems don't have. The flame is fueled by oxygen combined with hydrogen, nitrogen, propane or acetylene. When so doing, UV light is given off and we see the coating cure just as well in 3 - 8 seconds. However, I am unable to find a source (reference) that lists the spectral properties of the ignited gas in order to substantiate the theory. If you can help with a source or answer to the UV emission properties of those gases, I would really appreciate it. If you prefer, you can send your thoughts to my email at: AlanW@alamoprotechtacoat.com


Thanks and Blessings,

Alan W

[chip anderson]

Not sure about the other fuels involved but acetylene and oxygen will definitely give off a lot of UV, it's why welding goggles were invented. If you ever do much welding of almost any type not only will your eyes let you know you have messed up, your skin will to.. One of the worst sunburns I ever got was in a 7th grade metal shop class. Teacher told me about the gloves, and the mask, put me in a small booth and said: "Learn to run a bead."
The amount of infra-red deserves honorable mention in this also.

Chip

[Alan W]

Thank you, Chip

asw

[Chris Ryser]

UV cure initiators have a specific wavelength where they start polimerisation process. Usually it is around 365nm.

So if your flames cure the coating in such a short time, they must be right on target. So find out what the peak wavelength is for the initiator and you will know.

[Alan W]

Hi, Chris

The way curable powders are made today, the initiators are made to activate within the range of 350 - 425mu. This allows curing lamp mfg's the opportunity to build systems that cure a wider range of powders including polymers with metal such as copper, which then becomes a fully antimicrobial barrier coating capable of neutralizing colonization of MRSA and other microbes. Having a specific wavelength limits a whole bunch of stuff. The versatility also has made it possible to work on a completely different level with respect to corrosion. In fact, working with some people here at a University in Houston, we have been able to understand corrosion, even on eyewear, that involved the use of holographic interferometry that looks at various metals before and during corrosion, predicts where it will occur, when, and what needs to be done to prevent it. And, there are many things that can be done. There will be some papers on this soon as it has a lot of promise. We already know that Titanium is superior, but we are seeing stainless steel that has been altered doing as well. I have seen the oldest of metals used for eyewear "reworked" with incredible results. Bottom line is a considerable lowering of costs to the consumer with no change in physical properties.

Thanks,

Alan

[Chris Ryser]

Bottom line is a considerable lowering of costs to the consumer with no change in physical properties.

Hi Alan,

Very interesting....................

20 years ago with the help of a McGill University chemistry professor we came up with coating that is a total sealer and protects fully against oxidation, chemical attacks and more.

At that time I had bought a antique US Army regulation bugle in an antique store somewhere out in the country, that was all black and green from oxidation over a hundred years or more. I cleaned it up real good and put the stuff on.............and it never oxidized anymore just lost some of it's luster 20 years later.

However its not UV cure..............its humidity cure

[Alan W]

What was the oxidation developing on? Was it a Union or a Confederate horn? If the bugle was brass, then there's a good chance the oxidation was just that ...copper oxide, etc. which is not so much corrosion as it is oxidation. (The real burn is that the oxide renders the metal antimicrobial and while the bugle player went ooooowwwwww..thats disgusting, they weren't as apt to get sick as they would from a metal that has mold or algea growing on it) And, the sealant did exactly that I'm sure, arrested the development of the oxide, as it should. Cool beans! If it was silver, then that's another story, but along the same lines as what the brass was . . . an alloy. Now, when you get offshore out there on oil platforms etc, where we have plain ol steel coated with Defcon 425 etc. "the old man and the sea" will win out for sure. So far, even the most aggressive warrantees said to last 10 years poop out in two years. The people I'm working with are saying they will prove their technology works "in a court of law!" Nowadays we are seeing nanocoatings that are developed as the "antienvironment" that permits/fosters corrosion. Some of them even repair themselves when scratches. As I sit here looking at the temple on my designer glasses I see copper phosphate and lots of pitting going on and according to these university dudes, when they are finished looking down deep into the holes with their holographic interferometry and stuff . . . all should be at peace with the frame world. But, Dude . . . . I ain't holding my breath. Rock on!

alan

[chip anderson]

Product for brass oxidation: Brasso! Coat with clear lacquer after cleaning, last about 20 years.
Other products available for other metals.

Chip

[Chris Ryser]

.............according to these university dudes, when they are finished looking down deep into the holes with their holographic interferometry and stuff . . . all should be at peace with the frame world. But, Dude . . . . I ain't holding my breath. Rock on!
alan

interesting....................my stuff actually works on frames, prevents pitting and delamination..................and on plastic frames the damage done by facial acids................. which Chip's clear varnish can't do. (bugle is not marked which way it was blowing at the time, but still works fine to blow into a bedroom boat hatch on a large boat at 6 am after a party) :D

[Alan W]

Pretty Pleez, Oh, Pleez, Uncle Chris.
Can I watch when you do it.
That would be sooo cool.
I'm sure at 6:00 am nobody's doing "the wild thing."
But, imagine if . . . . .
Just blasting someone out of a deep sleep is OK.
But, OMG . . . .what a scene!

Thanks,
Alan

[Chris Ryser]

Pretty Pleez, Oh, Pleez, Uncle Chris.
Can I watch when you do it.

Alan, You'r so funny....................and polite, I can't refuse you watching.